The Porsche 993 is the internal designation for the Porsche 911 model manufactured and sold between January 1994 and early 1998 (model years 1995–1998 in the United States), replacing the 964. Its discontinuation marked the end of air-cooled Porsche.
The 993 was much improved over, and quite different from its predecessor. According to Porsche, every part of the car was designed from the ground up, including the engine and only 20% of its parts were carried over from the previous generation. Porsche refers to the 993 as “a significant advance, not just from a technical, but also a visual perspective.” Porsche’s engineers devised a new light-alloy sub-frame with coil and wishbone suspension (an all new multi-link system), putting behind the previous lift-off over-steer and making significant progress with the engine and handling, creating a more civilised car overall providing an improved driving experience. The 993 was also the first 911 to receive a six speed transmission.
The 993 had several variants, as its predecessors, varying in body style, engines, drive trains and included equipment. Power was increased by the addition of the VarioRam system, which added additional power, particularly in the mid-ranges, and also resulted in a more throttle noise at higher revs; as a consequence, resulted in a 15% increase in power over its predecessor.
The external design of the Porsche 993, penned by English designer Tony Hatter, retained the basic body shell architecture of the 964 and other earlier 911 models, but with revised exterior panels, with much more flared wheel arches, a smoother front and rear bumper design, an enlarged retractable rear wing and teardrop mirrors.
A 993 was promoted globally via its role of the safety car during the 1994 Formula One season.
A major change was the implementation of all alloy multi-link rear suspension attached to an alloy sub frame, which required the widening of the rear wheel arches, which gave better stability. The new suspension improved handling, making it more direct, more stable, and helping to reduce the tendency to over-steer if the throttle was lifted during hard cornering, a trait of earlier 911’s. It also reduced interior noise and improved ride quality.
The 993 was the first generation of the 911 to have a 6-speed manual transmission included as standard; its predecessors had 4 or 5-speed transmissions. In virtually every situation, it was possible to keep the engine at its best torque range above 4,500 rpm. The Carrera, Carrera S, Cabriolet and Targa models (rear wheel drive) were available with a “Tiptronic” 4-speed automatic transmission, first introduced in the 964. Beginning with model year 1995, Porsche offered the Tiptronic S with additional steering wheel mounted controls and refined software for smoother, quicker shifts. Since the 993’s introduction, the Tiptronic is capable of recognising climbs and descents.
Other improvements over the 964 include a new dual-flow exhaust system, larger brakes with drilled discs, and a revised power steering.
The 993 generation of the 911 is often referred to as the best and most desirable of the 911 series, not only because of its beauty, but also because of its great performance, even by modern standards. The 993 is quoted as “the last complete ‘modern classic'”; “the 993 was and forever will be that last fresh breath of air that Porsche gave the world; elegance and muscle all in one package.” The book “Porsche 993 – Essential Companion” refers to the 993 as the “King of Porsche,” and it is generally acknowledged as “The purists’ Holy Grail.”
In its April 12, 2017 article entitled “The Porsche 993 Actually Lives up to the Hype,” Road & Track writes that the 993 is “something truly special,” with “a combination of old-school feel and modern usability that isn’t found in many other cars,” with “great steering, great brakes, and a wonderfully composed package.” It also states that “The 993 is also beautifully built — it’s a relic from the time when Porsche didn’t cut corners anywhere.”
Porsche 993 C2 